Bond Set at $100k for Georgia Teenager Accused of Street Racing

A judge in Clayton County set bond at $100,000 for Randal Delaneo Holsey Jr. during a preliminary hearing this past week. Holsey, a 19-year-old, has been accused of causing a multi-vehicle wreck that sent three individuals to a local hospital with critical injuries as well as causing the death of a 2-year-old child.

According to reports, Holsey was trying to stop another car from passing him while he was driving his Dodge Challenger. He allegedly reached speeds up to 103 mph and ran through a red light causing the eight-car accident. Holsey is facing charges of:

• Reckless driving in Georgia
• Street Racing in Georgia
• Vehicular Homicide in Georgia

Racing is a serious traffic offense that can lead to the loss of a Georgia driver's license and even jail time. As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind racing and the consequences that can accompany a conviction.

Racing in Georgia

Georgia law defines racing in Georgia in O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 as:

No person shall drive any vehicle on a highway in this state in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition of speed, contest of speed, or test or exhibition of speed.

Georgia law also defines racing and drag race in the statute. According to law, “drag race" means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit. According to law, “racing" means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.

Racing is classified as a misdemeanor. This means that if convicted of racing, then a judge can sentence to the full extent of the law. A misdemeanor can be penalized by up to 12 months in jail, up to $1,000, or both.

Practice Note

Traffic violations such as racing or DUI in Georgia are treated very seriously in our state. Most people are under the impression that traffic violations are not serious crimes. This couldn't be farther from the truth.

If you or a loved one has been cited for a violation or arrested, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today.